Party Report: Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Connor Franta Stand Up for LGBTQ Youth Allies (Photos)
Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, Connor Franta Shine at GLSEN Respect Awards for LGBTQ Youth (Photos)
The powerful voices that amplify GLSEN’s message – fighting against bullying and discrimination in schools – huddled up at the annual Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire on Friday night, October 21. GLSEN’s Executive Director Eliza Byard, Matt Bomer, PR mogul Simon Halls, Marilyn Katzenberg, Jim Parsons, recurring chair Jeffrey Katzenberg, Julia Roberts, Todd Spiewak, and NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt.
Hudson (left, with Matt Bomer) was one of the night’s four honorees alongside digital star Connor Franta, People and EW Editor-in-Chief Jess Cagle, and Target. (Yes, GLSEN also honors corporations doing the right thing.)
“Pretty Woman” jokes ahead: “Reg…Bev..Wil…here I am, back again,” Julia Roberts cracked to open her speech, referencing the local nickname for the Beverly Wilshire Hotel that served as a key location in “Pretty Woman”.
“I’m like a bad penny in this hotel. I just keep turning up.”
“We do a lot of work with children, my mother and I,” Kate Hudson (with Katzenberg said.). “I’m not great at taking compliments. There’s so much more work that needs to be done.”
Roberts with EW and People’s Jess Cagle. Roberts was an honorary co-chair of the night.Roberts with EW and People’s Jess Cagle. Roberts was an honorary co-chair of the night.
“I work with a lot of younger kids. My audience is based on younger kids,” said Connor Franta (far left), recipient of the #GameChanger Award. “GLSEN helps these kids come out earlier and feel safer to be themselves. It hits home with me.” Franta posed with Hudson, GLSEN’s Byard, and Jess Cagle.
NBCU’s everywhere-man Chip Sullivan with GLSEN’s Eliza Byard. Tyler Oakley, soccer player Robbie Rogers, prolific TV producer Greg Berlanti, “Orange is the New Black’s” Kate “Red” Mulgrew, and “This is Us'” Milo Ventimiglia also attended.
Related stories from TheWrap:
Oscar Watch: Inside the LA Premiere of 'Loving,' Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga Civil Rights Love Story
Hollywood's Halloween Parties 2016: Top Invites from Heidi Klum, George Clooney's Pals
